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Listening to a Pop Culture Aficionado on the Pod!

Early this morning, I listened to a podcast and the guest was Kristine Eckart. I dropped her name on the blog this week as her new Gilmore Girls-related book, “Meet Me at Luke’s” will be released next Tuesday. The name of the podcast was called “We Ship It”. The We Ship It Podcast goes into detail about the most famous couples of lit and culture history. Judging by this podcast, the hosts were probably going to ship Luke and Lorelai. Also, who was the better boyfriend for Rory. If you ask me what team I’m on, it’s going to be Team Jess.

In this instance, what does it mean to ship? In the context of relationships, to “ship” means to wish for or believe that two people or fictional characters would make a good romantic couple. This slang term, derived from the word “relationship,” is primarily used in fandom and online culture by fans to express their desire for a pairing, whether the pairing exists in the source material (canon) or is a creation of the fans (fanfiction).

On the podcast, Kristine talked about why Fall is such a romantic season. She also took part in a game of “Would You Ever” involving famous literary and TV couples. Jim and Pam made it in to the podcast as did Chandler and Monica. She wasn’t afraid to show her excitement for the release of the book and even announced who will be narrating the audiobook release. It’s Keiko Agena, who played Rory’s best friend Lane on the show. Kristine even talked about Harry Potter and what book or movie relates to Fall the most. That would be Prisoner of Azkaban. She also mentioned the Yule Ball from Goblet of Fire. Let’s be honest, we all know that Sorcerer’s Stone is an unofficial Christmas movie.

I don’t know if this guy is in the same category of pop culture aficionado, but on Instagram you have @retroblastfromthepast. This guy does videos that show what was on TV during a particular season and even on a day in history. He also tells you where the show placed in the ratings during that year. If you see his videos, please like, comment, and share them.

In other news, last week a couple of Toastmasters from the Johnstown chapter led a communications workshop for students in the Leadership program at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. Students from programs like Culinary Arts, Medical Office Technology, Networking, and Welding took part in it. Lots of fun exercises were featured in the workshop including impromptu exercises.

It warms my heart to see my old school get a mention whether it’s in the news or on social media. Also, they’re still making a difference in the lives of the students who attend. It has garnered a bad reputation for drama, but that’s everywhere.

Bible study is back Monday night, albeit in a new location. We are meeting at Twin Lakes and it’s at the same place we’ve had a few of Annabelle’s birthday parties. While I won’t be able to order cute coffee before my Bible Study, I may be down for some Chick Fil-A. I shall wait and see. Is this the last study for the year? Maybe. Not sure on that but at least we have a spot for tomorrow night.

After having read some not-so-kind words about my favorite coffee shop, I fought back on Facebook with kindness. I have nothing but praise for Cutie’s and all the other local cafes including Nico’s. That one I have yet to go to but Mr. Clougherty says it’s really good.

On Friday, I stopped in for a Caramel Apple Matcha Latte. Unsure whether to get it either hot or iced, since I drank my pumpkin spice latte hot, I picked the former. That was a good choice as I really tasted the apple and caramel. I didn’t make my usual Sunday trip because I was wrapped up in the NFL action. I’ll wrap up September with a Cherry Pie Chai Latte.

Finding a Gilmore Girls Superfan on Instagram!

Recently, I discovered a page on Instagram promoting a new book about Gilmore Girls. The book is being released on the eve of the show’s 25th anniversary. “Meet Me at Luke’s” is an illustrated guide to the show that chronicles the show over its seven year run. Gilmore Girls aired on the WB from 2000 to 2006. Its seventh and final season aired on the CW from 2006 to 2007.

For me, the show aired during the years when I was in college. I split time between attending Penn Highlands Community College in Johnstown and Slippery Rock University. I lived at the Hiram G. Andrews Center while attending community college.

The show became a favorite of my mom and then teenage sister. For me, I stuck my nose up at the series and preferred shows like Everybody Loves Raymond. I always envisioned a crossover where Marie and Frank would clash with the lavish Gilmore lifestyle.

But just before we went in lockdown in 2020, my opinion of the show changed.

I fell in love with the show the final weekend of the 2010s and got hooked. This show and The Office were a lot of peoples’ watchlists during the pandemic. Back to the book though.

“Meet Me at Luke’s has lots of insights, anecdotes, and lessons applicable to our own lives. Like the two books I own about The Office, this book sounds like it’s a deep dive into the iconic show. I remember Michael York had appeared on the show during the fourth season. He was an English professor at Yale and had a brief romance with Paris. He had just starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember. The author puts a lot of work and passion into this project and from the looks of it, she is what they would refer to as a “superfan”.

What is the definition of a superfan? A superfan is someone who is extremely enthusiastic, dedicated, and devoted to a particular person, team, product, or hobby. They often go above and beyond to show their support of that entity.

Kristine Eckart is a writer, pop culture aficionado, and bibliophile. Her passion is to use literature to change lives. She is the person behind the new Gilmore Girls book that will be coming out October 7. You can follow her at her Instagram handle @gilmorebookclub or online at gilmorebookclub.com. I’ll close off the blog with this special event that I can’t be at, but throw it out for anyone who’s interested.

On October 4 at the Mystery Lovers Bookshop in the beautiful town of Oakmont, there will be a Gilmore Girls themed event where you can meet the author. Trivia will start at 1:30pm followed by the book signing. I ordered my book and can’t wait to read it while I enjoy Fall coffee at Cutie’s or sitting in the Diamond in beautiful Ligonier.

Yes. You Can at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

Our word of the day on Tuesday at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters was Courage. We needed that during the meeting as the technology was not being so reliable. But, those of us in person and online persevered through the mess and made it another enjoyable meeting.

We had three attending the meeting in person, while the others were online. A guest came on at the last meeting and we hope to see them at the next meeting on October 14. Also, we had an official visit from Autumn, our Area 23 Director. The room looked nicely decorated with plants, thanks to our amazing Sergeant at Arms. If we could get some furniture in there, the room would resemble a quaint little studio.

Thinking about the theme from last night’s meeting, I’m reminded of “Yes We Can!”, the quote made famous by our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Though he did have critics in the opposing party and his own who sometimes made it impossible for the President to do his job. I also think about the theme in my life’s journeys. It’s been easy for me to give up because of little or no support. But, I’ve also been my harshest critic as well. I must keep reminding myself, “Yes. I can.” Last night, when our wifi went down at the beginning of the meeting, our President had to make some moves to right the ship. Fortunately, our Area Director was still online and kept things cool. She also gave a good evaluation of the meeting. Props to Ryan for staying calm and to myself for staying at the lectern while online spoke or performed their roles. I was up there for a majority of the meeting.

We might be looking into having one hybrid meeting and one online meeting every month, but nothing is certain yet. Time will tell and this may be up for discussion at our next officers’ meeting. Dues are due September 30 and we have the minimum paid up, but it’s still important to get everyone in the club paid unless they don’t renew. Some of us have paid for the year, others for six months. I’m in the latter. Our next three meetings are October 14 and 28, and November 11. I will be in Johnstown on the 14th visiting with their club as that will also be my vacation week.

Watching Jeopardy! runs in the family. It was always a favorite of Gramma Hilde’s (along with the Muppets), and I have many memories of being at her house on Friday nights. I always impressed her when I answered the question (or is it the other way around?) and she always had visions of me as a contestant on the show someday. Gram passed away in 2006 and with her passing went our love of Jeopardy!, as it was hard to enjoy the show that she had once loved. But our interest in the show has returned in the last few years.

One of the contestants at the present time is someone right up Annabelle’s alley. He’s a band director, and he played baritone sax in school. That’s the instrument that Annabelle is playing in the middle school band at West Hempfield Middle School. We’re cheering on Steven as he competes on the iconic quiz show. It always feels good to do stuff as a family, and watching Jeopardy! is one of those things.

I was ready to watch the show on Peacock after I got back but was disappointed to learn the show wouldn’t be up on the streaming platform until 6am the next morning. Shoot, I even had a bowl of ginger snaps ready to eat while I watched.

This week, we’re finally getting the rain that we so desperately needed. I was driving in it last night on my way back from Connellsville. A few heavy downpours greeted me as I made my way into Greensburg. More rain is on the way today but we have a nice weekend ahead. I wonder what the weather will be like in Dublin on Sunday.

Finally, Pumpkin season is in full bloom. I have my coffee, tea, and cider options lined up. That, and I know what I want to try at Cutie’s over the next few weeks. Carrot Cake Latte and Cherry Pie Chai, I’m coming for you! I’m looking forward to a Caramel Apple Pie coffee or a Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Latte at some point during Pumpkin Fall.

It’s the Last Day of Summer, and Relief is Coming!

Back in May, we were stuck in a damp, cool weather pattern. This coming on the heels of a warm, Mother‘s Day weekend when we opened the pool. I didn’t get in the pool until exactly a month later. Go figure with this Pennsylvania weather. The second half of the month was mostly cool and damp. It started to feel depressing and I wondered if we were going to have a chilly Summer. I also worried that I would have slipped into another depression with my summer vacation about a week away.

During the last week of the month, it was so chilly (I was on my way to Connellsville for a Toastmasters meeting one night), I could have seen snow flurries or rain mixing with snow and it wouldn’t have made a difference. Luckily we got out of that funk as we made it to summer. For the most, this summer has been hot and dry.

Fast forward to September. We’ve experienced a dry spell which has erased this surplus of rain that we had over Spring. As we welcome Fall on Monday afternoon, I’m looking forward to some soaking rain, as well as some cooler temperatures after the above average 80’s we’ve had all week. Summer‘s last stand is about to come to an end. Funny how you tire of something only to want it again. We do need the rain to put a dent in the drought, nonetheless. Color is patchy but on some of the trees along Kerr Rd., it is starting to show. I’m hoping that the needed precipitation of the liquid variety will help keep the colors vibrant this Fall. But could it be too little too late?

Plenty of rain chances dominate the week ahead. As long as it’s not disruptive, bring it on.

Last week, I was putting up HBC tags. As usual Wednesday night is when we put up new tags at the store because the new sales go into effect Thursday morning. Today is the last summer, and cold and flu season will be here before we know it.

Following my Hershey weekend when I saw the Trans Siberian Orchestra, I began to feel sick and that took up the first few days of my vacation. I spent Thanksgiving fighting a cold but still ate plenty of turkey and all the fixings. I worked five days from Tuesday through Saturday and had my defenses all ready to go. I took my NyQuil and DayQuil at the appropriate times. Given my schedule, I had to do the opposite but I figured it out. I drank my weight in fluids (green tea with lemon, orange juice) and took plenty of cough drops. Despite the coughing that lingered into the early stages of vacation, I still had a great week off and put a sizable dent in my Christmas shopping.

Cough and cold products will soon be a big seller as the seasons change. Drink plenty of fluids and keep plenty of tissues and hand sanitizer on hand. Also, get plenty of rest. It wasn’t easy for me, but I survived.

Last night, while scrolling through social media, I came upon a reel that turned out to be very relaxing. AmbianceHomeTV had an image up, and it was really therapeutic. Now it’s best to use AI and Instagram wisely as not everything in my algorithm interests me. But this image and a few others that I looked at were just what I needed to forget the craziness going on in our world. The best image was the cafe window looking outside into a rainy town square. Don’t tell me this doesn’t remind you of Ligonier or another beautiful small town you might know of. AmbianceHomeTV also has a YouTube channel and this page is akin to the one on PlutoTV that plays Christmas music with a fireplace as the background.

Finally, I took advantage of my Sunday off by waking up and watching part of the Steelers game. At halftime, I changed course and took off for Cutie’s for the first Pumpkin Spice Latte of 2025. The cups that Cutie’s has for the Fall are so cute. So is the shirt that I wore today on my Cutie’s Coffee adventure.

So how did my Pumpkin Spice Latte taste? Very good.

Despite the warm day that felt a little humid, I still ordered my drink hot because that’s how you’re supposed to drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte. But, to each their own. Later in the week, I’m going to try a Caramel Apple Matcha as Apple Fall comes to an end and Pumpkin Falls begins next week. There are plenty of other Pumpkin options to choose from as well. This includes the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew and Pumpkin Cheesecake.

I began reading Matriarch this afternoon, having finished Barack’s memoir the day before. I only got as far as the Prologue as this will be a weekend read until the end of October. But, it’s looking like a good read so far. I was interested in the book after hearing one of Michelle Obama’s podcast (IMO with Michelle Obama) when she interviewed Tina Knowles. I ended up buying it during my week off when I shopped at South Hills Village. I’ll learn more about her life and family as I progress through the book. In the front of the book is a family tree and it’s very extensive. I enjoyed seeing that.

Just a few more weeks until Meet Me at Luke’s is released!

Third Time’s the Charm!

Thursday night dinner finally happened! The third time was the charm as Mr. Clougherty and I rescheduled our dinner series twice. Once was due to swimming and the other was for Open House. I proposed we do it September 18 and he agreed to it. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as the stars aligned.

We met at the Olive Garden, which would have been the August dinner. I did away with the Kings/Eat’n Park meetup for the last Thursday this month and everything worked out. I’ve been here many times for birthdays over the last few years whether with family or with Kevin. My most memorable was my 40th when my fashionable sister treated me and gave me a cool gift bag with lots of things in it. Kevin and I both ordered the Create Your Own Pasta, with Angel Hair for me and Rigatoni for Kevin. I also ordered a cocktail, the Peach Bellini.

We met at 6 o’clock, this way I can allow him time to travel from his meet (in Connellsville). That worked out perfectly for us as I was able to take advantage of the nice weather and get a walk in at Twin Lakes. I did over two miles in just under and timed it perfectly. I’m trying to get walking routine down and so far, I’ve done good for myself. I’ll return to Hempfield Park tomorrow in terms of making it ten miles. I also count my steps at work when I sweep the floors, which I’ve done a few times this week.

It’s three weeks until vacation!

It’s a wrap for both books on the Obamas, as I finish “A Promised Land” this weekend. The third time’s the charm on reading this book cover to cover and, at just over 700 pages, this read was a massive undertaking. It’s very detailed and thorough and covers the early years of Obama’s life through his Senate years and ultimately, his first few years as President. Events highlighted include: the Great Recession, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, fighting for Universal Healthcare, and the Bin Laden raid. I would like to see another book that covers the subsequent years of his presidency, through his second term.

I still have both photo books to read through, and those should be finished by October. Obama: A Photographic Journey was a Christmas gift several years ago and I looked at it but like the memoir, never finished it. I’m now into his second term and should be done with that by the end of October. This book covers the eight years in the White House and also some pics before the Presidency. Pete Souza did an excellent job on the photography in this book and the writing is good too. I also just finished Michelle’s memoir Becoming and it was good the second time around.

This Sunday I’ll begin Matriarch by Tina Knowles and this week continue with We Can Do Hard Things.

It’s the official end of Summer tomorrow and Fall begins Monday at 2:19 PM. Pumpkin Season can begin, even as if I’ve called this month Apple Fall. It’s time for my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the year (even though I’ve drank some Market District Pumpkin Caramel coffee already). Even with the last day of summer forecast to be warm and dry (83 degrees), I’m going to enjoy my Pumpkin Spice Latte hot.

Green Mountain and Donut Shop Coffee is on sale this week and I’d like to try some of their seasonal coffee. On my Cutie’s Coffee rader in October, I’d love to try the Carrot Cake and Pumpkin Cheesecake Lattes, as well as the Cutie Pumpkin and Cherry Pie Chai. Maybe in a few weeks I can visit for their second birthday celebration in a few weeks.

It’s still warm through the early part of next week but, a pattern change is coming with much needed rain on the way, as well as more September-like weatherfully. Hopefully, this will put a dent in the rainfall deficit.

Learning about Knee Operations and Our Best Decisions at Greensburg Toastmasters!

Last night at Greensburg Toastmasters, we learned about knee operations from our two speakers. We had two guests and their walks of life couldn’t have been any more different. We welcomed back a former member who had been in our club before. We also had a college student from Pitt at Greensburg in attendance.

Table Topics was the chef’s kiss. The Topicsmaster asked us about the best decisions of our lives that we made. The catch was that we could not use getting married or graduating from college. We could say Toastmasters but it was optional. It reminded me of a college English class I took during my second year. We couldn’t write about the Johnstown Flood, simply because the professor had gotten so many papers on the subject. I’ll highlight Mike’s answer as well as my own because they were the two best in my opinion.

Mike answered the question by saying that Algebra was the best subject he took in school. He mentioned its importance in other subjects and in life. In school, one of my biggest regrets was not learning a more advanced algebra as well as trigonometry. His answer to the question brought me back to my high school days.

Now I know my answer sounds like a broken record, but I talked about 2021 and how I transitioned out of a job that I had for a very long time. It was a change to something better and closer to home. Late in the year just as we switched offices, I applied for other jobs as WIS had finally run its course. Factors included COVID, as well as health issues that surfaced the next Spring plus the pending merger with their biggest competitor. This led me to consider my options. Doing this for credit, the Topicsmaster evaluated our answers and gave me credit for staying strong in the midst of big changes in my life.

In the prepared speaking portion of the meeting, Greg and Jim wowed us with their operations. We continued to know more about Jim’s long, strange trip. Greg taught us about PRP (platelet rich plasma). I served as Timer, Grammarian and Ah Counter. One way I could have improved the experience for myself was to know where the camera was positioned. This would have greatly improved my role as timer as those speaking online (both of our speakers plus an evaluator) would have seen the cards a lot better. Once I gave my reports, I already knew where to face the camera.

Our next three meetings are October 1 and 15, and November 5.

Doing Something Lighter

We are now in the final week of Summer, and it will sure feel like it. Overall, this summer turned out better than last year. I swam more than I have and I had a great week off. Unfortunately, Cutie’s pulled the plug on its biweekly Bible Study due to pressure from other people who were complaining. Struck down in its prime just as the weather was starting to get better. This was a hard decision to make, but it was understandable. However, someone has picked up hosting duties for the Bible Study next Spring.

It’s a great week to get outside and I need some levity after everything I dealt with last week. From work drama to 9/11 and remembering Gram on the day she passed, everything took its toll on me. The forecast is trending dry, so I took advantage of a few nights where I walked around Hempfield Park. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Hopefully, I can turn this into a routine just as my Mom has with the gym. Friday morning, I’ll take a longer walk since I have the night off prior.

My walks have been thirty minutes, and the last few nights at Hempfield Park have been busy with everything going on. Youth football is big right now and so is youth cheerleading 📣. Afterwards, I take 15 minutes to so some inspirational reading. I bought this book at Majesty during the damp, cool Spring that we had. I also listen to some praise and worship music but last night it was gospel (Kirk Franklin). Since Bible Study is not happening (it was about to come to an end anyways because of the weather changing), this has been a nice substitute. My Amazing Grace journal is getting a much needed workout.

At just over 300 words, I’ll make this a Nearly Wordless Wednesday and close off this blog.

An Emotional Day

This past week was heavy, the Charlie Kirk shooting in Utah and then 9/11 the next day. 24 years later, that day still hits hard. Saturday was an emotional day for my family. We had fond memories of our beloved Gramma, aunt, and mother, Hilde Gaffron.

My aunt posted a picture of the Gaffron siblings on her Facebook. It was taken at my cousin’s graduation party and it brought back memories and a lot of nice comments too.

19 years ago my life was in transition. My academic life had come to an end and my life in the real world was beginning. While it had to happen, that still didn’t make it any easier for me. That Spring, Gram got sick and had to spend time at Forbes before temporarily moving into a nursing home nearby. She spent the summer at home with us. For me, most of that summer was spent taking care of her, as I was unemployed. We spent a lot of time together and she tried to keep my spirits up during that difficult season in my life. Gram made some progress and was able to go back to her house for at least one weekend. Just when it appeared she was turning the corner, she had passed away. I remember the morning very well.

I had just started working at Kings, after my summer of discontent and employment. We were all devastated by her passing. I wonder what she would have thought of all our accomplishments. Three things I know Gram would have been proud to have witnessed:

Barack Obama winning the election in 2008. She followed his senate run in the mid-2000’s and just after her passing, he accepted the nomination for President. I do know she would have not been happy with the state of our union now, or the current administration.
My involvement in Toastmasters. I joined Toastmasters in 2011 and continued to stay with the organization through transitions in my own life and in hard times. Having to adjust to online meetings during the pandemic did test my loyalty, though. A few of my speeches have been about her, also.
Getting to meet Annabelle and all her other great-grandchildren. Gram would have proud to see her other grandchildren become parents. She got to experience being a great grandmother to my oldest cousin’s three boys. Gram and Annabelle would have shared the love of Harry Potter.

I think Gram would have also been proud to see her grandkids take up writing as a hobby. She would have loved reading about my everyday life or about Katie’s everyday adventures.

Finally, some words of wisdom that I picked up in times like these. During 9/11, I memorized a Bible verse that got me through those trying times. It also came in handy during quarantine and social distancing times in 2020.

2 Timothy 1:7–“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Also, in light of the events in Utah, a friend of mine shared a post encouraging us to step away from things like electronics and social media and enjoy life. This was from the governor of Utah and couldn’t have been said any better.

Finishing Up My Summer Reading. What’s Next?

I didn’t post a blog on Thursday (well I did but it was dated Wednesday), but I took time to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 24 years ago. The attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and a plane crashing in a field in rural Somerset County shook us to our core that day. We remembered how grateful we were in the following days and were proud to display our patriotism. I was in my second year of college, sitting in math class, when I learned of a plane hitting the World Trade Center.

While looking about the photo book of President Obama, I’ve now seen pictures from his first term. Unfortunately the last shots from the official White House photographer during that time were from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012. While at a play for one of the girls that was going on around the time of mourning, even the photographer shed a few tears.

Let’s not just remember the 9/11 victims, but also those children and parents whose lives have been affected by all these horrific school shootings.

Wednesday, I learned of the passing of right wing voice and Trump ally Charlie Kirk. While I’m not going to get into a debate on my blog and I didn’t agree with his political views, I am sorry that his wife and young daughters lost a husband and a father.

My blog is a lifestyle blog and that’s how it’s always going to be.

Last night I finished up another chapter in Barack Obama’s memoir, “A Promised Land”. As I put the finishing touches on former First Lady Michelle’s memoir today, I’ll have finished that book a second time. Next week will be for reading the last chapters in the former President’s book. The first time I read “Becoming” it was a great read and the second time around did not disappoint either.

So, with my Obama summer reading project done, what am I planning to read for Fall. Originally, I was going to give “107 Days” by Kamala Harris a read. However, since I’ve already covered two books on political figures, I’m opting for something a little more light-hearted. I’ll commit more time to “We Can Do Hard Things” after finishing Barack’s memoir next week, and begin “Matriarch” by Tina Knowles. I’ll start out with one chapter a week there and then do more once I finish Glennon Doyle’s latest book. But a new book has caught my attention as well and it comes out on October 7 (Annabelle’s birthday). Don’t worry, I won’t forget to buy her gift.

Yesterday in my Instagram travels (I seriously spend too much time on there!) I found the perfect book to get me excited about the Fall season. I didn’t want to wait for Christmas when I saw this, but “Meet Me at Luke’s” looks very tempting. After two interesting political memoirs this summer, I think I need a pop culture fix. I previewed the book last night and today and this read looks good. This may be quality reading at Cutie’s, at the Diamond in Ligonier, or at the Fall Picnic.

I enjoyed a beautiful late summer afternoon at Cutie‘s where I ordered the Banana Pancake Latte. It was really good and I continue to be impressed by the Fall menu so far. I’ll be having my Pumpkin Spice Latte around the first day of Fall. I’m interested in trying some of the Chais at some point this Fall, including the Butterbeer Chai. My niece didn’t like it but maybe I will. I’m thinking about the Carrot Cake Latte for the beginning of October.

I hate to close off the blog with some bad news but sadly, Cutie‘s decided to end their Bible Study. I learned about this from their Instagram stories. Some not so nice things have been said and it’s gotten out of proportion. Feeling pressured, it was the best interest of the owners to discontinue the Bible Study.

I had hinted about committing to church attendance again, and this may speed it up. I was a hard decision but I understand Cutie‘s going forward with it. Over the past year the leaders did an excellent job, and Cutie‘s will continue to serve the community even as this season comes to an end.

Having a SWEET Time at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

Tuesday night, we held our Laurel Highlands Toastmasters meeting. At first, it looked like we might have just three in attendance but people came in at just before six. Our Vice Presidents Education and Membership came in just a few minutes past six with agendas in hand. Zoom wasn’t working in our favor but our President was able to establish an online link through WhatsApp. We started a little late but made up for that start with a quality meeting.

Judging by the theme and the title of my blog, we had a SWEET time at our meeting. Our President gave a wonderful speech about “The Sweet CEO”. I’m referring to Milton Hershey. He went over Hershey‘s life and also discussed his philanthropy. In the blog, I’ll also be highlighting my trip to Hershey from this past November.

In Table Topics, the questions kept with the theme of the meeting. I was asked what I could suggest to make Toastmasters meeting sweet? Our Vice President Education came up with questions but our club president led the topics session. The Table Topics master and Toastmaster switched roles. Our other speeches Tuesday night touched on the five C‘s of Leadership and 3 F‘s we must look at when dealing with rejection.

Some takeaways I had from the meeting, one was from our Vice President Education. The acronyms and stories help us to remember the speeches. Also, WhatsApp is better than Zoom. Dues are due, and I will be renewing this weekend for both Laurel Highlands and Greensburg.

At the meeting I doubled up as speech evaluator and timer. We had a guest in attendance and so I explained my role to her.

Hearing Ryan’s speech reminded me of my past trip to Hershey. Last Fall just before Thanksgiving, our little group of Gaffrons went there to see Trans Siberian Orchestra. We made it a great weekend, and not just because of the concert. Our first night in Hershey we saw the lights near Hersheypark. I took many pics that evening and we saw many neat displays. Getting there is the run and we had to brave and battle the snow and slush-covered roads to get to our destination.

Saturday was the big day. We met up with my cousins and made our way to the Giant Center. The show was great and this was my second time seeing Trans Siberian Orchestra. The first time was a few days before Christmas in December 2019 at PPG Paints Arena. We all know what happened three months later. Following the concert, we ate dinner at the Macaroni Grill. I enjoyed the company and all the food. My cousins picked a great spot for our post concert dinner. I do wish I’d have saved room for dessert too. Maybe I can eat half my dinner next week at Olive Garden and save room for cheesecake and tiramisu.

Sunday was our last day in Hershey before heading home. We spent our last hours in the hotel checking out the arcade and watching the world go by. We ate lunch at Funck’s and it looked very festive inside as the restaurant was decorated for Christmas. As we parted ways with the State College Gaffrons, we stopped off at Chocolate World for an hour. I bought a few things (that Hershey’s Pot of Gold is still upstairs on my counter) and then faced reality. Our trip was over. It was a nice weekend and great mini-vacation even though I got sick just before Thanksgiving.

You can read about my Hershey trip in more detail. Links to follow.